Construction-set  elements

ABSTRACT

Construction-set elements for use in kits for children and in puzzles. The construction-set element includes a flat rectangular base and a connecting assembly. The connecting assembly includes four groups of protrusion types that can be assembled on the base. The protrusions of the first group have a cruciform cross-section. The protrusions of the second group are tubular with a square-shaped cross-section. The protrusions of the third group are in the form of rectangular plates having barrier-walls along the short sides thereof, the barrier-walls being angled toward one another with the formation of a gap. In the fourth group, the protrusions are positioned at the corners of the base and are made in the form of L-shaped elements, the sides of which are perpendicular to the plane of the base. Sharp portions of protrusions are connected by bridges to make it easier for younger children to use the construction elements.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to construction elements (components) that can be used in toy construction sets and puzzles, for the development of the fine motor skills of young children.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

U.S. Pat. No. 9,675,900 (to the applicant, Sokolov, issued Jun. 13, 2017), discloses a set of construction elements. The construction-set elements include a flat rectangular base and a connecting assembly. The connecting assembly is formed of four groups/types of protrusions, which can be provided on the base. The protrusions of the first group have a cruciform cross-section. The protrusions of the second group are tubular with a square-shaped cross-section. The protrusions of the third group are in the form of rectangular plates having barrier-walls along the short sides thereof, the barrier-walls being angled toward one another with the formation of a gap. In the fourth group, the protrusions are positioned at the corners of the base and are made in the form of L-shaped elements, the sides of which are perpendicular to the plane of the base.

The flat base has two sides; a rectangular form; and base edges having lengths in multiples of «a». An interlocking joint is created by positioning four types of protrusions on the base together as one unit. The first protrusion type has a cross-shaped cross-section. The second protrusion type is tubular with a cross-section in the form of square. The third protrusion type is in the form of a rectangular plate having ledges along short sides of the rectangular plate. The ledges angle towards each other with a gap formed between their ledge end parts. The fourth protrusion type is in the form of a corner, having shelves positioned perpendicular to each other and extending outwardly from the base, flush with the base ends. All the protrusion types can be positioned on the base in accordance with a coordinate grid of lines. The protrusions of the first protrusion type are positioned at points where the coordinate grid lines intersect; the protrusions of the second protrusion type are positioned at points where diagonals of the cells of the coordinate grid intersect; the protrusions of the third protrusion type are positioned in a middle area between neighboring protrusions of the first protrusion type, flush with the base ends; and the protrusions of the fourth protrusion type are positioned at corners of the base.

A construction element implemented according to a second embodiment includes only three of the four types of protrusions (the first, second and third protrusion types).

The complexity of such construction-set elements makes them difficult for young children to use them as the process of ossification of the hands and fingers has not been completed even by the beginning of schooling. Therefore small and precise movements of the fingers and hands can be difficult and tedious for young children, in particular when they are required to press their fingers on the edges of construction-set elements (for example, the edges, shelves of the corners of the some protrusions of the above-mentioned elements) to apply sufficient force to connect the elements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a set of construction elements wherein minimal finger stress is required to assemble the elements, making it easier for young children to use.

The technical result includes widening functional possibilities of the construction-set elements due to the increased convenience of use, in particular, widening applicability of the construction-set for the children's age group in the direction of reducing the age of children who are comfortable with using such construction-set elements for developmental skills. Specifically, the construction-set elements help in the development of fine hand motor skills and the formation of fine movements of the hands and fingers in the conditions of decreasing fatigue of the muscles of the fingers and palms of children due to increased ease of use due to the transfer of the main pressure required to the fingertips of the child and any person using the construction-set elements from the edges of the construction-set elements on bridges between separate parts of the construction-set elements, that is especially important in the corrective children's fine motor skills. In addition, ease of use is provided by bridges that prevent the creation of “incorrect” connections of the construction-set elements with each other. In the case of “incorrect” connection, the construction-set elements are displaced relative to each other in the wrong way, which prevents further joining of construction-set elements to create a single structure.

The technical result of the first embodiment of the construction-set element is achieved in that there are bridges in the base and connecting unit of the construction-set elements.

The base is flat (two-sided) and has a rectangular form, with sides made in multiples of «a», which can have a preliminary defined value. An interlocking joint is created by positioning protrusions on the base, which form four groups of protrusions. All protrusions are positioned on the base in accordance with an imaginary orthogonal coordinate grid of mutually perpendicular lines parallel to edges of the base (base edges) where the distance between neighboring grid lines is equal to «2a». The distance between base edges (ends) and neighboring grid lines is equal to «0, 5a». The protrusions on the base are fulfilled with the base together as one unit.

The first group of protrusions is positioned on at least one side of the base with a cross-shaped cross-section and with a distance between opposite ends of the cross equal to «a». Crosshairs of the protrusions' foundations coincide with the crosshairs of the grid lines. The height of the protrusions in the first group is greater than «0.5a» but no greater than «a».

The second group of protrusions has protrusions positioned on at least one side of the base, they are tubular, and have cross-sections in the form of a square having a side length in the channel of the tubular protrusion equal to «a». The protrusions are arranged so that the sides of the square inner section of the tubular protrusion are parallel to the lines of the imaginary grid, and the intersection point of the diagonals of the square inner section of the protrusion coincides with the intersection point of the diagonals of the grid cell in which this protrusion is located. The height of the protrusions in the second group is equal to «0.5a».

In the third group of protrusions, the protrusions are positioned between end parts of neighboring protrusions of the first type and are in the form of rectangular plates, positioned with their midline on the ends of the base, flush with these ends, and have ledges with a width equal to «a» along the short sides protruding not more than «0.5a» from the base ends. That is, the long sides of the plates are parallel to the base and the short sides are perpendicular to the base, and the line of connection of each plate with the edge of the base goes along the line connecting centers of its short sides, which have lengths equal to «a». The ledges are angled towards each other with a gap formed between their end parts no greater than «a».

Protrusions in the fourth group of protrusions are made in the form of corners, having shelves positioned perpendicular to the base planes on its adjacent ends and flush with these ends. The shelves have a length equal to «a» and a width no greater than «0.5a». These protrusions are positioned on the base corners.

The nearest edges of the neighboring protrusions of the third group are interconnected by bridges. Bridges are provided to the protrusions of the fourth group as well, which connect the sides of rectangular plates perpendicular to the base and connect the shelves of the corners of these protrusions (which are the sides of the rectangular plates perpendicular to the base and protruding out beyond the base) with neighboring ledges (5) of the protrusions of the third group.

The technical result of the second construction-set element embodiment is achieved due to the construction-set element including a base and in that the interlocking joint has bridges. The base is made flat and has a rectangular form, with at least one side equal to «a», which can have a preliminary defined value, and the other sides having a length equal to a multiple of «a». The interlocking joint is created by positioning protrusions on the base forming three groups of protrusions. Protrusions on the base are fulfilled with the base together as one unit.

The first group of protrusions is positioned on at least one side of the base and has cross-shaped cross-sections with a distance between opposite ends of the cross equal to «a». The height of the protrusions in the first group is greater than «0.5a» but no greater than «a».

The second group of protrusions has protrusions made in the form of rectangular plates, positioned with their midline on the ends of the base, flush with these ends, and have ledges with a width equal to «a» along the short sides, protruding not more than «0.5a» from the base ends. The ledges are angled towards each other with a gap formed between their end parts no greater than «a».

Protrusions in the third group of protrusions are made in the form of corners, having shelves positioned perpendicular to the base planes on their adjacent ends and flush with these ends. Shelves have a length equal to «a» and a width no greater than «0.5a».

All protrusions are positioned on the base in accordance with the coordinate grid of mutually perpendicular lines parallel to base edges. The distance between neighboring lines of the coordinate grid is equal to «2a». The distance between the base edges and neighboring lines on the coordinate grid is «0.5a».

Protrusions of the first group are positioned at points where the grid lines intersect. Protrusions of the second group are positioned in the middle between the neighboring protrusions of the first group that are positioned flush with the ends of the base. Protrusions of the third group are positioned in the corners of the base.

The nearest edges of neighboring protrusions of the second group are interconnected by bridges, as well as bridges of the third group that connect the sides of rectangular plates perpendicular to the base and the ledges of the protrusions of the second group, which are adjacent to them. The bridges can be of different shapes and widths.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows construction-set elements implemented according to the first embodiment with nine protrusions of the first group (2), with four protrusions of the second group (3), with eight protrusions of the third group (4) and with four protrusions of the fourth group (6) and with a base (1) having a size of «5a» by «5a». It can be seen that the bridges (9) connect nearest ledges of neighboring protrusions of the third group (4) to each other. There are bridges (9) between sides of rectangular plates of protrusions of the fourth group (6) and neighboring to them ledges (5) of protrusions of the third group (4).

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the construction-set elements of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows construction-set elements implemented according to the second embodiment with three protrusions of the first group (2), with four protrusion of the second group (4), with four protrusions of the third group (6) and with base having size of «5a» by «a».

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the construction-set elements of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 shows two construction-set elements depicted in FIG. 4, before connection.

FIG. 6 shows two construction-set elements depicted in FIG. 4, after connection.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show construction-set elements similar to those shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 before and after connection, for the case when the construction-set elements do not have bridges.

FIG. 9 shows the connection of the construction-set elements implemented according to the first embodiment with the construction-set elements implemented according to the second embodiment, before the connection of protrusions of the second group of the first construction-set elements with protrusions of the second group of the second construction-set elements.

FIG. 10 shows the construction-set elements shown in FIG. 9, after connection.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show construction-set elements similar to those shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, before and after connection, for the case when construction-set elements similar to the second embodiment do not have bridges.

FIG. 13 shows one construction-set element implemented similarly to the second embodiment but without bridges; and the second construction-set element implemented according to the first embodiment, before the attempt of “incorrect” connection of the construction-set elements with each other.

FIG. 14 shows a connection of one construction-set element implemented similarly to the second embodiment but without bridges; and the second construction-set element implemented to the first embodiment with non-successful “incorrect” connection of the construction-set elements with each other.

FIG. 15 shows one construction-set element implemented according to the second embodiment and a second construction-set element implemented according to the first embodiment, before the attempt of “incorrect” connection of the construction-set elements with each other.

FIG. 16 shows that the “incorrect” connection of one construction-set element implemented according to the second embodiment and the second construction-set element implemented to the first embodiment is impossible.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Now described is a construction element with bridges according to the first embodiment (see for example the lower construction-set element in the FIGS. 1-2, 13-16).

[The construction-set element implemented according to the first embodiment (FIGS. 1-2, 13-16) includes a base 1, which is flat and has a rectangular form, with sides made in multiples of «a», which can have a preliminary defined value, and an interlocking joint, created by positioning protrusions on the base, which form four groups of protrusions. The protrusions on the base are fulfilled with the base together as one unit.

The first group of protrusions 2 is positioned on at least one side of the base 1. The height of the protrusions 2 (see FIG. 1) «H1» in the first group is greater than «0.5a» but no greater than «a». The first group of protrusions 2 has a cross-shaped cross-section where the distance between opposite ends of the cross is equal to «a». Protrusions 3 of the second group 4 according to the first embodiment are also positioned on at least one side of the base 1. The height of the protrusions 3 is equal to «0.5a». The protrusions 3 are tubular, with cross-sections in the form of a square having a side length in the channel of the tubular protrusion 3 equal to «a». In the third group 6, protrusions 4 according to the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1-2) are in the form of rectangular plates, positioned with their longest midline on the ends of the base 1, and having ledges 5 along their short sides. The ledges 5 have a width equal to «a» and protrude from the base ends by a length that is not greater than «0.5a». The ledges 5 angle towards each other with a gap formed between their end parts no greater than «a». Ledges 5 are angled towards each other with a gap «DELTA» formed between their end parts no greater than «a». Protrusions 6 in the fourth group (6) according to the first embodiment are in the form of corners, having shelves positioned perpendicular to the planes of base 1 (base planes) on their adjacent ends and flush with these ends. The length of the shelves is equal to «a» and their width is no greater than «0.5a». I.e. these shelves in fact are the faces of the dihedral angle formed by two rectangular plates that are perpendicular to the base and to each other and pass through the corners of the base (taken out beyond it), so that the planes of the plates located on the inner sides of the dihedral angle are flush with the base ends of the parallel plates. The lengths of the sides of the rectangular plates perpendicular to the base are «a», while the midpoints of the sides of the rectangular plates forming the edge of the dihedral angle are on the corners of the base, and the lengths of the sides of the rectangular plates parallel to the base have a length of no greater than «0.5a».

Protrusions 2, 3, 4, 6 are positioned on the base 1 in accordance with the coordinate grid 7 (see FIG. 1) of mutually perpendicular lines parallel to the edges of base 1 (base edges). The distance between neighboring lines of the coordinate grid 7 is equal to «2a», wherein the distance between the edges of base 1 and neighboring lines on the coordinate grid 7 is equal to «0.5a». In the first group, according to the first embodiment, protrusions 2 are positioned at points where the coordinate grid 7 lines intersect. In the second group, according to the first embodiment, protrusions 3 are positioned at points where the diagonals 8 (see FIG. 1) of the cells of the coordinate grid 7 intersect. Protrusions 4 of the third group according to the first embodiment are positioned in the middle between the neighboring protrusions 2 of the first group that are positioned flush with the ends of the base 1. In the fourth group according to the first embodiment protrusions 6 are positioned in the corners of the base 1.

In order to achieve the technical result, the protrusions of the third group 4 are provided with bridges 9 connecting the nearest ledges 5 of the neighboring protrusions 4 to each other. The protrusions of the fourth group 6, which connect the shelves of the corners of these protrusions and neighboring ledges 5 of the protrusions of the third group 4, are also provided with bridges 9. These bridges 9 can have a width that coincides with the width of the ledges 5 or even somewhat narrower. In addition, the bridges 9 can be made flat, convex or concave.

A construction-set element according to the second embodiment (FIGS. 3-6) is now described.

Construction-set elements according to the second embodiment include a flat base 1 having a rectangular form, with at least one side having a dimension equal to «a», which can have a preliminary defined value, the other side having a dimension equal to a multiple of «a»; and an interlocking joint, created by positioning protrusions on the base 1, which form three groups of protrusions. The first group of protrusions 2, according to the second embodiment, is similar to protrusions 2 according to the first embodiment. The first group of protrusions 2 is positioned on at least one side of the base 1. The height of the protrusions 2 is greater than «0.5a» but no greater than «a». The protrusions 2 are made with cross-shaped cross-sections with a distance between opposite cross ends equal to «a». In the second group according to the second embodiment, protrusions 4 are similar to protrusions 4 of the third group according to the first embodiment and in the form of rectangular plates, positioned with their long midline on the ends of the base 1, and have ledges 5 along short sides, flush with base ends. Ledges 5 with a width length equal to «a» (see FIG. 3) protrude from the base ends by a length (see FIG. 3) that is not greater than «0.5a». Ledges 5 angle towards each other with a gap «DELTA» formed between their end parts no greater than «a» (see FIG. 3). Protrusions 6 in the third group according to the second embodiment are similar to protrusions 6 of the third group according to the first embodiment. Protrusions 6 are in the form of corners, having shelves positioned perpendicular to the base 1 planes on their adjacent ends and flush with base ends, with a length equal to «a» and a width no greater than «0.5a». Protrusions 2, 4 and 6 are positioned on the base 1 according to the coordinate grid 7 of mutually perpendicular lines parallel to base 1 edges, wherein the distance between neighboring lines of the coordinate grid 7 is equal to «2a» and wherein the distance between the base 1 edges and neighboring lines on the coordinate grid 7 is «0.5a». Protrusions 2 of the first group according to the second embodiment are positioned at points where the coordinate grid 7 lines intersect. Protrusions 4 of the second group according to the second embodiment are positioned in the middle between the neighboring protrusions 2 of the first group that are positioned flush with the ends of the base 1. Protrusions 6 of the third group according to the second embodiment are positioned in the corners of the base 1.

To achieve the claimed technical result, the protrusions of the second group 4 include bridges 9 connecting the nearest ledges 5 of the neighboring protrusions 4 to each other, and the protrusions of the third group 6 include bridges 9 connecting the shelves of the corners of their protrusions 6 and the neighboring ledges 5 of the protrusions of the second group 4. These bridges 9 can have a width that coincides with the width of the ledges 5 or can even be somewhat narrower. In addition, the bridges 9 can be made flat, convex or concave.

As can be seen in FIGS. 5-10, there is a significant difference between the construction-set elements with and without bridges—in particular in the usability. In the absence of bridges, one has to deal with the edges of the protrusion elements (see FIGS. 7-8). For the case when the construction-set elements do not have bridges, there are a lot of sharp edges (ribs of protrusions), which have to be pressed with one's fingers to connect the elements.

In addition, FIG. 9 shows the construction-set elements before their connection (joining), one connection implemented according to the second embodiment (upper), and the other (lower) according to the first embodiment. The engagement (connection) occurs by protrusions of the second group of the upper element of the construction-set element with protrusions of the second group of the lower construction-set element. FIG. 10 shows the same construction-set elements, after connection.

Protrusions of interlocking joints, for a more precise positioning of construction elements during connection with each other, can be implemented with bevels, rounded off, sloped, and so forth. The base 1 can also be made with various openings to conserve material.

Positioning of interlocking joints on base 1 is illustrated in FIGS. 2, 4, 9. Due to the form of the protrusions and their positioning on base 1, there is a reliable connection of construction-set elements one to another, wherein the protrusions of different construction-set elements interlock with each other. Interlocking is based on the force of friction (pressure fit), occurring between protrusions during close contact and/or when they are placed between other protrusions—and the bridges makes the interlocking convenient, painless to use the construction-set elements, which can connect with each other from either side, allowing building of complex 3D models. Furthermore, the bridges prevent an incorrect connection, as illustrated in FIGS. 11-12, where two construction-set elements are shown before and after connection. These connections are similar to those of the construction-set elements shown in FIGS. 9-10, but for the case when the construction-set element similar to the second embodiment without bridges, there are a lot of sharp edges that must be pressed to connect the elements, while connecting the elements of the second embodiment, but without bridges 9, and the other in the first embodiment, the connection is performed by engaging the protrusions of the second group 3 of the first construction-set element and the second group of the second construction-set element, there may be a situation of incorrect connection, 5 of the protrusions of the second group 4 of the construction-set element according to the second embodiment are not insertable into the protrusion of the second group 3 of the construction-set elements according to the first embodiment, but between the protrusions, when attempting the same connection of the construction-set element made in the second embodiment (the upper construction-set element), the bridge 9 rests against the ledge 5 of the protrusion of the second group 3 of the lower construction-set element implemented according to the first embodiment, do not allow connecting construction-set elements in a wrong way.

FIG. 13 illustrates a construction-set element implemented like one according to the second embodiment, but without a bridge, and a construction-set element implemented like one according to the first embodiment before attempting to make a wrong (incorrect) connection; and FIG. 14 shows an incorrect connection. FIG. 15 shows a construction-set element implemented according to the second embodiment and the construction-set element implemented according to the first embodiment before attempt of an incorrect connection; and FIG. 16 shows an unsuccessful result of that wrong connection for the same construction-set elements. These examples illustrate that the bridges contribute to an accurate (correct and strong) connection of the construction-set elements, which significantly enhances the usability of construction-set elements. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A construction-set element, comprising: a flat base (1) having two sides, a rectangular form, base edges having lengths in multiples of «a», and an interlocking joint created by positioning four types of protrusions on the base (1) and fulfilled with the base (1) as one unit, wherein: a first protrusion type (2) positioned on at least one side of the base (1), with a height greater than «0.5a», but not greater than «a», made with a cross-shaped cross-section, where a distance between opposite ends of the cross-shaped cross-section is equal to «a»; a second protrusion type (3) positioned on at least one side of the base (1), with a height equal to «0.5a», having a tubular shape with a cross-section in a form of square having sides equal to «a»; a third protrusion type (4) in the form of a rectangular plate with ledges and a long midline, positioned so that the long midline of the rectangular plate is along the base edges and the ledges (5) extend from short sides of the rectangular plate, the ledges (5) having ledge end parts that have a width equal to «a», protruding not more than «0.5a» from the base edges, angled towards each other with a gap formed between their ledge end parts no greater than «a»; a fourth protrusion type (6) in the form of a corner, having shelves positioned perpendicular to each other and extending outwardly from the base (1) and having a length equal to «a» and a width not greater than «0.5a», wherein all protrusions are positioned on the base (1) in accordance with a coordinate grid of lines (7), wherein the distance between neighboring parallel coordinate grid lines (7) on the coordinate grid is equal to «2a», the distance between an edge of base (1) and a neighboring parallel coordinate grid line on the coordinate grid is equal to «0.5a» and cells of the coordinate grid are formed by pairs of intersecting parallel neighboring coordinate grid lines, where those mutually perpendicular grid lines (7) are parallel to the base edges and the protrusions of the first protrusion type (2) are positioned at points where the coordinate grid lines intersect, the protrusions of the second protrusion type (3) are positioned at points where diagonals (8) of the cells of the coordinate grid intersect, the protrusions of the third protrusion type (4) are positioned in a middle between neighboring protrusions of the first protrusion type (2) and flush with the base (1) ends, the protrusions of the fourth protrusion type (6) are positioned at corners of the base (1), wherein the third protrusion type (4) have protrusions provided with bridges (9) connecting the nearest ledges (5) of the neighboring protrusions (4) to each other, the fourth protrusion type (6) are provided with bridges (9) connecting the shelves of the corners of these protrusions, which are the sides of the rectangular plates perpendicular to the base that protrude out beyond the base, with the adjacent ledges (5) of the protrusions of the third protrusion type (4).
 2. The construction-set element as defined in claim 1, wherein bridges (9) have a width that is the same as the width of ledges (5).
 3. The construction-set element as defined in claim 1, wherein the bridges (9) are flat.
 4. The construction-set element as defined in claim 1, wherein the bridges (9) are concave.
 5. The construction-set element as defined in claim 1, wherein the bridges (9) are convex.
 6. A construction-set element, comprising: a flat base (1) having two sides, a rectangular form with at least one base edge having a first length equal to «a», and another base edge having a second length that is a multiple of «a», and an interlocking joint, created by positioning three types of protrusions on the base (1) and fulfilled with the base (1) as one unit, wherein: a first protrusion type (2) is positioned on at least one side of the base (1), with a height greater than «0.5a», but not greater than «a», with a cross-shaped cross-section, where the distance between opposing ends of the cross-shaped cross-section is equal to «a», a second protrusion type (4) in the form of a rectangular plate with ledges and a long midline, positioned so that the long midline of the rectangular plate is along the base edges of the second length and the ledges extend from short sides of the rectangular plate and the ledges have ledge end parts that have a width equal to «a» flush with the base (1) ends protruding not more than «0.5a» from the base edges of the second length, and angled towards each other with a gap formed between their ledge end parts no greater than «a», a third protrusion type (6) in the form of a corner, having shelves positioned perpendicular to each other and extending outwardly from the base (1) flush with the base (1) ends and having a length equal to «a» and a width not greater than «0.5a», wherein all protrusions are positioned on the base (1) in accordance with a coordinate grid of lines, wherein the distance between neighboring parallel coordinate grid lines on the coordinate grid is equal to «2a» and the distance between one of the base edges and a neighboring parallel coordinate grid line on the coordinate grid is equal to «0.5a», wherein the protrusions of the first protrusion type (2) are positioned at points where the coordinate grid lines intersect, the protrusions of the second protrusion type (4) are positioned in a middle between neighboring protrusions of the first protrusion type flush with the base (1) ends, the protrusions of the third protrusion type (6) are positioned at corners of the base (1), wherein the protrusions of the second protrusion group (4) are provided with bridges (9) connecting the nearest ledges (5) of the neighboring protrusions (4) to each other, and the protrusions of the third group (6) are provided with bridges (9) connecting the shelves of the corners of these protrusions (6) and the adjacent ledges (5) of the protrusions of the second group (4).
 7. The construction-set element as defined in claim 6, wherein the bridges (9) have a width that is the same as the width of ledges (5).
 8. The construction-set element as defined in claim 6, wherein the bridges (9) are flat.
 9. The construction-set element as defined in claim 6, wherein the bridges (9) are concave.
 10. The construction-set element as defined in claim 6, wherein the bridges (9) are convex. 